It all starts with the awaiting in anticipation and expectation of the last report. Quite often, that last report determines and defines the rest of the holiday! Talking about that last report: It is important for adults to reward effort as well as achievements. All parents do believe that their little Crow has the whitest breast and that is just fine but sometimes we must also accept reality. In the sense that the child really tried his or her uttermost best for that specific subject or learning area but, for various reasons, did not succeed.
It is important for the children to be allowed their break from daily routine; a break from adults pushing and pulling for achievements; a break from a formal learning environment. In short: a break from all the stress related to be a learner in the twenty-first century because that is a really tough job!
It is also an ideal time to strengthen the parent-child bond; to spend some really good quality time together in a much more relaxing atmosphere than school-time. To have a coffee or a meal together without keeping an eye on the time; to go shopping with a stroll, realizing that buying is not the most important experience – to spend time together is! This is the time to reflect and address some of the wounds caused by the battle of yet another year of pressure and survival.
The beginning of the New Year is a good opportunity to discuss dreams, plans and commitment for the upcoming year. Also a good time for parents to explain their expectations but also to allow children to say what they expect from parents! Clear all possible misunderstandings. This can serve as the reality call for the year for all parties concerned. Take the positive approach – Rather “This year is going to be our year” than “Don’t mess up this year like last year” or rather “We are sooo ready for this year” than “None of the laziness of last year”!
Children must be ensured that parent’s only concern is their well-being, as parents also need the assurance that, whatever the child does and achieves in the coming year, will be the child’s best effort.
Take a deep breath, hold it for a count of ten. Slowly exhale. Enjoy the next year!
By: Abie Smit (Psychologist)
